Final dance

“I thought I told you not to invite her?” Raymond’s father scolded as he pulled Raymond aside. “What will society say when they see your ex-girlfriend on your wedding day? Why were you smiling with her? Why were you even talking to her?” His father was furious, and Raymond couldn’t afford to enrage him further.

“I didn’t invite her, Dad,” Raymond said, his voice sharp. “She’s the bride’s best friend, so she has every right to be here.”

“If you know she’s the bride’s best friend, then why are you frolicking around her?” his father’s tone remained tight, his eyes burning with rage. “Listen, Raymond. I won’t have you misbehave on your wedding day. If you know what’s good for you, stay away from Cassandra. Act like you’ve never seen her in your entire life. If I notice anything suspicious or hear whispers about you being near Cassandra, I don’t need to tell you what will happen,” his father warned, storming away.

Raymond clenched his fists, his eyes blazing with anger. He deeply resented Eureka and this marriage. He loved Cassandra, so how was he supposed to avoid her like she didn’t exist, like she meant nothing to him?

“I’ve been looking for you,” the most annoying voice he didn’t want to hear right now whispered beside him. “It’s time for the final dance before we travel. Everyone is waiting for us,” Eureka said, ignoring the venomous glare Raymond threw her way.

“This is all your fault!” he groaned, grabbing Eureka’s hand roughly. “Just know that when this is over, we have a score to settle,” he declared, his chest heaving.

Eureka’s lips parted, but no words came out. She swallowed and nodded. Her reaction only infuriated Raymond further as he pushed her aside and stormed off. Eureka stood there, her face flushed with pain.

“Hey, why are you standing here alone?” Harvey, Raymond’s cousin, asked, approaching her. He wore a warm smile, which lightened Eureka’s mood slightly, and she smiled back. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I was just…” Eureka’s voice trailed off as she fought hard to blink back her tears.

“Whatever it is, don’t overthink. Your flight takes off in an hour. You need to take the final dance and some pictures before leaving. Whatever you need to think about can wait until your honeymoon. Come on,” he said softly, his tone melting Eureka as he grabbed her hand and led her back to the hall.

He was the only one who had spoken to her kindly since this wedding arrangement. Everyone else seemed to be against her, constantly reminding her to mask her feelings and pretend everything was fine, even when it wasn’t.

It was finally time to leave, and Eureka felt as though her world had crumbled again. She was to spend her honeymoon with Raymond in another country, away from everyone she knew.

“Just know that when this is over, we have a score to settle.”

Raymond’s words kept haunting her as she changed her dress. “What does he mean by that?” she wondered, her heart racing.

As she entered the hotel’s bedroom from the bathroom, she halted at the door, seeing her parents waiting for her.

“Come over, Eureka. We need to talk,” her father said, his tone as sharp as always.

She moved closer, taking a seat opposite them.

“The wedding being successfully conducted doesn’t mean your task is done, sweetheart. You still have to make your husband happy by being a dutiful and respectful wife. Don’t ever do anything that will make him complain. Be as submissive as possible, and always remember that your family’s wellness depends on your attitude in this marriage,” he said, his words tightening the knot in Eureka’s chest. How could they expect her to be respectful and submissive to a man who hated her?

“Your husband is your idol, and you must worship him as one. You can’t afford to mess up, okay?” her mother added.

“It’s okay,” Eureka struggled to keep her voice from trembling as she shrugged. “I will do everything to make this marriage work. You don’t need to worry,” she said, though her emotions betrayed her as a tear slid down her face. She wasn’t sure how to make the marriage work, but she didn’t want her parents to know that. “Can I go now? I think the car is waiting,” she said, standing.

“Sure, sweetheart. Be on your best behavior.”

Their words echoed in her mind as she walked out of the hotel room.

Eureka took a final glance at her parents before entering the black, balloon-decorated Lexus beside Raymond. Their eyes met for the briefest moment before they both looked away.

Eureka was about to mind her business when Raymond’s phone rang. She couldn’t see the caller’s name as Raymond quickly answered the call.

“I know. Don’t worry, okay?” he assured whoever was on the other end. Eureka had the sinking feeling it was Cassandra, but she said nothing.

“Really? Well, it’s fine. Can’t wait to see you too, though. Take care of yourself. Bye,” Raymond hung up, reclining against the seat with a smile spreading across his face.

“Who was that?” she dared to ask, immediately regretting it as Raymond shot her a dark, sinister glare.